Seattle Mariners News: Keynan Middleton signed, Scott Servais talks to media

Seattle Mariners sign former Angels reliever Keynan Middleton and Scott Servais talks to the media about the offseason

Today was a big day for Seattle Mariners’ news and information. First, the Mariners signed former Angels reliever Keynan Middleton. It is reported that the deal is worth $800 thousand as well as incentives for 1 year. Middleton is 27 years old and was non-tendered by the Angels right before the deadline. In 95.2 innings pitched for the Angels over 4 years, he had a 3.48 ERA.

He only threw 12 innings last year and had a 5.25 ERA, which led the Angels to non-tender him. He has a very usual Mariners reliever pitch profile of 4 seam fastball, slider, and changeup, and his fastball velocity has gone up over time and last year was 97 on average. The Mariners want to take the chance on Middleton however, who started off hot in L.A. but had Tommy John surgery in 2018.

Scott Servais spoke to the media as well today after the signing and had some good info regarding the offseason. Some encouraging news is that Mitch Haniger will be ready to go and is looking great.

Servais also said he is a big fan of the 6 man rotation and they’re going forward with it despite the smaller roster (Last year the roster was variable between 30, 28, and 26, but next year will only be 26 all year). Servais believes the 6 man rotation gives them a longer leash and they have better stuff.

Servais also likes the Seattle Mariners’ chances to be competitive next year, but there’s still a long way to go. “It’s about getting better.”

Some more encouraging news is that catcher Tom Murphy is a full go for spring training after missing all of last year. He also said that Torrens and Murphy are tandem and will platoon in the catcher spot, said neither will go more than 120-130 games and that prospect Cal Raleigh is the third string.

In terms of what the Mariners will do at 2nd base, Dylan Moore and Shed Long Jr are the competition for the spot and Servais said that Moore deserves it based on last year. Related to that, he also said Ty France will be in the lineup every day and will not have a specific spot. Servais mentioned DH, 2B, 3B, and 1B.

Lastly, Servais said that Seattle could add some more pitching depth. He said “We’re just scratching the surface” with their offseason signings. Servais would be surprised if they don’t add another pitcher whether it’s on an MLB or minor league deal.